UNM Quarterback James Laubstein long run against UNLV Photo Courtesy of UNM Athletics
Lobos Remain Undefeated in Las Vegas and Secure Bowl Eligibility with 40–35 Win Over UNLV
In a thrilling contest that
has brought new life to New Mexico’s resurgence in 2025, the Lobos have dominated UNLV for nearly the entire contest.
Although UNLV briefly took a 35–34 lead with approximately 6 minutes left, the Lobos scored the final 7 points to seal a 40–35 victory at Allegiant Stadium.
The win moved New Mexico to 6–3 overall and 3–2 in the Mountain West and gave the program its first bowl eligibility since 2016. UNLV dropped to 6–2, 2–2 in the MW and lost its five-home wins in a row.
“This team continues to answer the bell,” stated Head Coach Jason Eck in reference to his first year leading the Lobos. “They have encountered adversity throughout the season; however, these guys believe and continue to prove it.”
Game Breakdown
The Lobos had complete control of the afternoon and built a 21–0 lead in the second quarter on explosive passes.
Quarterback Jack Layne began the scoring on a 30-yard wheel route to wide receiver Damon Bankston.
Dual-threat quarterback James Laubstein sparked a drive with a 58-yard keeper and followed with a 12-yard touchdown pass to Simon Mapa to give the Lobos a 14–0 lead.
Shortly thereafter, Layne completed a screen pass to Bankston, which resulted in an 84-yard dash down the sideline to increase the lead to 21–0 and effectively quiet the stunned crowd at Allegiant Stadium.
Keagan Johnson on a big reception for UNM Lobos. Photos Courtesy of UNM Athletics
However, the Rebels stormed back. UNLV quarterback Anthony Colandrea located Daejon Reynolds for a 7-yard touchdown. Keyvone Lee then ran in a 5-yard touchdown, and on the very next snap, Quandarius Keyes intercepted a route and returned it for a 25-yard pick-six, tying the game at 21.
Instead of panicking, the Lobos responded. Layne threw a perfectly placed 80-yard touchdown bomb to Keagan Johnson, restoring the lead at 28–21. A forced fumble by UNM’s defense set up Luke Drzewiecki’s 46-yard field goal, his longest of the season, after a missed kick was nullified due to a UNLV timeout. The Lobos held a 31–21 advantage entering halftime.
Final Push
The Rebels continued to rally once again and eventually took the lead in the game for the first time at 35–34 with 6:35 to go. Colandrea capped off a short field drive with a 14-yard touchdown completion to Nik Elksnis after the Rebels converted a critical fourth-and-4.
It was the first time the Lobos trailed the entire day — and the way they responded to take the lead was like that of a seasoned team.
After Layne found Johnson on a 19-yard gain on a third-and-12 from deep in UNM’s own territory, the Lobos’ quarterback subsequently found Johnson for a 25-yard reception in what would become a highlight-reel diving catch, placing the Lobos in field-goal range.
Another leaping sideline grab by Johnson for 15 yards set the stage for the Lobos’ eventual game-winning drive at the UNLV 13-yard line.
After that, D.J. McKinney accepted the handoff, cut left, and dashed into the end zone with 2:57 to go — providing the Lobos with the final 40–35 margin of victory.
A desperate lateral attempt by UNLV failed, and Ky’Won McCray recovered the ball to seal the game — sending the Lobo bench into wild celebration and officially qualifying the Lobos for a bowl.
Mercury Swaim & Jaxton Eck making the tackle. Photo Courtesy of UNM Athletics.
“This is why you play the game,” Johnson exclaimed. “We’ve worked towards this moment. To accomplish it on the road, in this stadium, it could not be better.”
Johnson finished with six receptions for 158 yards, the most by a Lobo since 2011. Layne went 17-for-22 for 342 yards and three touchdowns.
Given their struggles in recent years, the Lobo football team is defying expectations and surprising both the Mountain West Conference and media experts with its strong performance.
